As the deadline given by the Supreme Court to demolish the flats in Kochi’s Maradu municipality nears, the Ernakulam district administration has begun to evict people, but has said that people won’t be forcibly evicted.
The district administration met the flat owners on Sunday and spoke to them about the owners leaving on their own, and collected information about the vacant flats.
After the meeting, District Sub-Collector Snehil Kumar said that people were requested to leave peacefully, and it would be better if the people are doing it on their own.
The deadline for the eviction is October 3.
“If there is any requirement for any extra time, we will consider it on a case by case basis. If they need any help, we will provide them with that. Individually, we will get information about how many flats have been vacated and what help is required. This discussion was to convince them to move out as the time is over. We all have to follow the SC order,” the Sub-Collector said.
The flat owners were on a hunger strike from Sunday morning demanding interim compensation quickly, more time to evict, and for their water and electricity connections to be restored.
However, they called it off after their meeting with the Sub-Collector and District Collector S Suhas. Owners also reportedly informed the district administration that they will shift out voluntarily.
Regarding rehabilitation of the owners, Snehil Kumar said that there is a list of flats where people could be rehabilitated.
“We have informed the flat owners that if they need to be shifted to these apartments, we will assist them. We have no intention to forcibly evict them. I believe that they will also understand. It should be a coordinated effort. We will try to provide electricity in all common areas till October 3,” he said.
On May 18, the Supreme Court ordered the demolition of the four apartment buildings that violated Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules. On Thursday, power and water connection to the buildings were disconnected as part of the eviction.
Speaking about the demolition, Snehil Kumar said that the district administration is planning to do a controlled implosion. The process has to begin on October 11, he added.
On September 25, the builders of three apartment buildings — Jains Coral Cove, Alfa Serene and H20 Holy Faith were booked after residents complained, which led to the bank accounts of the builders being frozen.